Merced Municipal Code § 20.62.110 Old 99 Overlay District

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 16, 2023, repealed the former Ch. 20.62, §§ 20.62.010—20.62.050, and enacted a new Ch. 20.62 as set out herein. The former Ch. 20.62 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 2465, § 2(Exhs. A., B.), adopted Sept. 19, 2016; and Ord. No. 2508, § 1, adopted Dec. 2, 2019.

A. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs as an information system that preserves and enhances the aesthetic character and environmental values of Merced, its residential neighborhoods, its downtown, and its commercial and industrial areas, while also providing an effective means for the public to express themselves through the display of signs. These regulations recognize both the importance of business activity to the economic vitality of Merced and the need to protect the visual environment. Specifically, these regulations are intended to implement the Merced General Plan and to:

1. Provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, public welfare, and traffic safety by controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, size, location, and maintenance of signs and sign structures.

2. Preserve and enhance the visual order and attractiveness of the city for residents, businesses, and visitors.

3. Protect and enhance property values and community appearance by encouraging signs that are compatible with the architectural style, character, and scale of the building to which they relate, and with adjacent buildings and businesses.

4. Restrict signs that may create visual clutter or a nuisance to nearby properties, violate privacy, or create hazards or unreasonable distractions for pedestrians and drivers of vehicles.

5. Provide adequate opportunity for the exercise of free speech by display of a message or image on a sign, while balancing that opportunity with other community and public interests.

6. Ensure that commercial signs are accessory or auxiliary to a principal business or establishment on the same premises, rather than functioning as general advertising for hire.

7. Prohibit signs that may cause traffic or pedestrian safety hazards or interfere with ingress and egress.

B. It is the City of Merced's policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that is content neutral as to messages, which are within the protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the corollary provisions of the California Constitution.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

This chapter regulates signs that are located or mounted within the jurisdictional boundaries of Merced, California. The provisions in this chapter apply in all zoning districts within the city. No sign within the regulatory scope of this chapter shall be erected or maintained anywhere in the City of Merced except in conformance with this Chapter. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word in this chapter is declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of the chapter.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Subject to the property owner's consent, a non-commercial message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any commercial message or any other non-commercial message provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this title. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech or favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter and do not count toward the total sign area limit for a site, provided that they conform to applicable standards:

1. One (1) permanent sign per residence or business premises, mounted on a wall and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.

2. Barber poles, not exceeding eighteen (18) inches in height, located in a non-residential zone district, and containing no lettering.

3. Signs on vehicles, provided that the sign does not utilize changeable copy or special illumination.

4. Holiday and cultural observance decorations on private property that do not include commercial advertising. This exemption includes strings of lights associated with a holiday decoration.

5. Official notices issued by a court or public agency and posted in the performance of a public duty; notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agency; signs erected by a governmental agency to direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic; non-commercial bus stop signs erected by a public transit agency, or other signs required or authorized by law. This exemption also covers signs and banners provided or approved by the city for special civic events erected by the city, which may be displayed in public rights-of-way.

6. Signs that are located entirely within a building or enclosed structure and are not visible from the public right-of-way.

7. Signs located on a private area of a lot that is not accessible by the general public, such as a backyard, and are not visible from the public right-of-way.

8. Signs fixed to mobile vending carts, up to a maximum of eight (8) square feet of sign area.

9. Signs that are part of a vending machine, fuel pump, or similar structure.

10. Signs mounted on carrier vehicles such as buses, taxicabs, mobile vendors, and limousines that legally pass through the city.

11. Window signs that conform to the standards of Section 20.62.180.

B. Exempt signs that have electrical connections or engineered supports shall obtain the appropriate building permit, as required by the California Building Code.

C. This chapter shall not prohibit or limit a public agency (city, county, school district, etc.) from placing signs on their public property for a public purpose.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

The following signs shall be prohibited in all zones:

A. Signs located, placed, or erected in or upon any public right-of-way, except as specifically allowed by this chapter.

B. Signs illuminated with red, green, or amber lights placed in such a position that it could reasonably be perceived to interfere with, or be confused with any official traffic control device, traffic signal, or official directional guide sign.

C. Signs placed within the "corner vision triangle" as defined in Section 20.30.030 of the Merced Municipal Code, except for signs erected by a governmental agency to direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

D. Signs placed in a location that would prevent free ingress and egress from any door, window, or fire escape.

E. Outdoor advertising structures located on a site other than the site on which the advertised commercial use is located or on which the advertised commercial product is produced.

F. Building signs extending above the peak of a pitched roof, or the parapet line of a flat roof.

G. Reflecting, flashing, sparkling, glittering, twinkling, or shimmering signs.

H. Signs with open letters that can be viewed from the reverse side.

I. Streamers, balloons, blimps, or other floating, inflatable, or hanging devices secured with a rope or string, unless specifically permitted with a temporary use permit.

J. Signs located, placed, or attached upon any tree, utility pole, or fence, except as specifically allowed by this chapter.

K. Signs placed on private property without permission of the property owner.

L. Non-conforming signs and sign structures associated with an activity, business, product, events, or service that has not been sold, produced, provided, or conducted on the premises for a period of ninety (90) days.

M. Signs that revolve or are animated, except barber poles.

N. Signs containing statements, words, symbols, or characters of an obscene nature. Obscene nature will be determined by the development services director using the three-part obscenity test established in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973).

O. Signs emitting sound.

P. Signs located within five (5) feet of a fire hydrant, traffic control sign, or traffic signal.

Q. Signs over four (4) feet in height located within the "corner vision triangle" area adjacent to a public street intersection as defined in Merced Municipal Code Section 20.30.030.

R. Signs within ten (10) feet of a driveway or alleyway entrance or exit from the public street.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

All commercial uses, industrial uses, and residential uses of over four (4) units shall install street address numbers of at least six (6) inches high that are clearly visible from the nearest street. Sample street address numbers shall be shown on all construction drawings for building permits and on building elevations required for any city permit. The numbers shall be considered an architectural feature with color and/or material consistent with the building trim. Street address numbers shall not count toward the number or amount of signage allowed on a site.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. No sign shall be erected, altered, reconstructed, or relocated without a sign permit. A permit is not required for ordinary maintenance and repairs to signs and for temporary signs on private property that conform to the standards of this chapter. The development services director will review all applications for sign permits for consistency with this chapter.

B. Signs that project over or extend into a public street or sidewalk shall also require approval of an encroachment permit or license agreement by the city engineer pursuant to the provisions of Title 12 of the Municipal Code.

C. Consent of the property owner and business owner is required before any sign permit may be approved.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

The following sign design principles should be used as criteria for review and approval of sign permits and master sign programs. Applications for sign permits or master sign programs that are determined by the development services director to be substantially inconsistent with these sign design principles may be denied.

A. Architectural Compatibility. A sign, including its supporting structure, if any, should be designed as an integral design element of a building's architecture and be architecturally compatible, including color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached. A sign that covers a window or that spills over "natural" boundaries or architectural features and obliterates parts of upper floors of buildings is considered detrimental to visual order and attractiveness of the city. Common indicators of compatibility are quality sign design and construction, proportional size and scale, and use of materials, shapes, textures, and colors that complement the building's architectural style and the surrounding environment.

B. Legibility. The size and proportion of the elements of the sign's message, including logos, letters, icons, and other graphic images, should be based on the average distance and average travel speed of the viewer. Sign messages oriented toward pedestrians should typically be smaller than those oriented toward automobile drivers. Colors chosen for the sign text and/or graphics should have sufficient contrast with the sign background to be easily read during both day and night. Symbols and logos can be used in place of words. Signs deemed too difficult to read based on one (1) or more of these criteria may be considered detrimental to public safety.

C. Placement. Often, a building's architectural details create logical places for signage. Signs should not cover or interrupt architectural details or ornaments of a building's façade. On buildings with a monolithic or plain façade, signs should establish or continue appropriate design rhythm, scale, and proportion. Well-designed and well-located retail signs create visual interest and continuity with other storefronts on the same or adjacent buildings. Signs deemed to be architecturally incompatible based on their placement on the building may be considered detrimental to visual order and attractiveness of the city. Signs should not obstruct windows or doors except as allowed by this chapter.

D. Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials. Paper, cardboard, or other material subject to rapid deterioration can only be used for signs that comply with applicable requirements for temporary signs. Fabric signs are restricted to awnings, canopies, flags, temporary building signs, and temporary freestanding signs. Signs deemed to not be made of durable materials may be considered detrimental to both public safety and visual order and attractiveness of the city.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. For the purposes of this chapter, lot frontage shall be calculated as follows:

1. If a lot fronts on two (2) streets (excluding alleyways), both frontages shall be used to determine the allowable sign placement area.

2. If a lot fronts on three (3) or more streets (excluding alleyways), the length of only two (2) contiguous sides shall be added together to determine allowable sign placement area.

B. The building frontage shall be the building facade in which main customer access is provided to the establishment. Building frontage is considered continuous if projections or recesses in the building facade do not exceed ten (10) feet in any direction. For buildings with two (2) or more frontages, the length of the building frontage and allowable sign placement area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage. See Figure 20.62.090-1.

Figure 20.62.090-1 Building Frontage Calculation Examples [Figure: Figure 20.62.090-1 Building Frontage Calculation Examples]

C. The area of an individual sign shall be calculated as follows:

1. Sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including, but not limited to, sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color. Supporting structures such as sign bases and columns are not included in sign area provided that they contain no lettering or graphics.

2. Where two (2)faces of a double-faced sign are located two (2) feet or less from one another at all points or located at an interior angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less from one another, the sign area shall be calculated as the area of one (1) face. Where the two (2) faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used. Where two (2) faces of a double-faced sign are located more than two (2) feet or forty-five (45) degrees from one another, both sign faces shall be counted toward sign area.

3. On a three-faced sign, where at least one (1) interior angle is forty-five (45) degrees or less, the sign area shall be calculated as the sum of the largest and the smallest face. In all other situations involving a sign with three (3) or more sides, the sign area shall be calculated as the sum of all faces.

4. Three-Dimensional Signs. The size of signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one (1) or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), shall be calculated as the sum of the square footage of the two (2) adjacent sides of the smallest theoretical cube that would encompass the sign.

Figure 20.62.090-2 Illustration of three-faced and three-dimensional signs [Figure: Figure 20.62.090-2 Illustration of three-faced and three-dimensional signs]

D. The height of a sign shall be calculated as follows.

1. Building Sign Height. The height of a building sign shall be the vertical distance measured from the ground level directly beneath the sign to the highest point at the top of the sign, including any structural or architectural components of the sign.

2. Freestanding Sign Height. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from grade at the edge of the right-of-way along which a freestanding sign is placed to the highest point of the freestanding sign, including any structural or architectural components of the sign. When the grade at the edge of the right-of-way is higher than the site on which the sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge of the right-of-way shall not be included in determining the freestanding sign's overall height. Freestanding signs oriented towards a freeway shall be measured from the site's finished grade or pad, whichever is lower.

3. Freestanding Sign Height Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.

4. Shopping Center Signs. For the purpose of determining the allowed number and size of signs, an integrated shopping center shall be considered as one (1) site.

E. Illustrations of rules for sign measurement are shown in Figure 20.62.090-3. If an interpretation discrepancy exists between the illustrations and the text of this section, the text shall prevail.

Figure 20.62.090-3 Illustration of Rules for Sign Calculation and Height Measurement [Figure: Figure 20.62.090-3 Illustration of Rules for Sign Calculation and Height Measurement]

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. For the purpose of this chapter, signs are grouped into four (4) types: permanent building signs, permanent freestanding signs, temporary building signs, and temporary freestanding signs. Figure 20.62.100-1 illustrates the types of signs. The sign types are also defined in Section 20.62.360.

B. This section establishes standards for the number of signs, size of signs, placement of signs, and illumination of signs for developed sites based on the zone district in which the signs are located. New signs placed on private property shall conform to these standards.

1. Table 20.62.100-1 establishes sign standards for residential uses in residential zones.

2. Table 20.62.100-2 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in residential zones.

3. Table 20.62.100-3 establishes sign standards for residential uses in all non-residential zones.

4. Table 20.62.100-4 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in General Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Shopping Center Commercial, Thoroughfare Commercial, Village Commercial, and Planned Development zones.

5. Table 20.62.100-5 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in the Regional/Central Commercial zone.

6. Table 20.62.100-6 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in Office Commercial, Business Park, and Downtown Office zones.

7. Table 20.62.100-7 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in Downtown Core and Downtown Commercial zones.

8. Table 20.62.100-8 establishes sign standards for commercial and office uses in Public Facility, Parks and Open Space, and Public Parking District zones.

9. Table 20.62.100-9 establishes sign standards for commercial, office, and industrial uses in Agriculture and Urban Transition zones.

10. Table 20.62.100-10 establishes sign standards for commercial, office, and industrial uses in all industrial zones.

11. For the purpose of the tables identified in this section, uses that are not considered residential, office, or industrial shall be considered commercial uses. This includes public assembly and community uses.

12. Sign standards for uses within a Planned Development zone shall be those standards in the tables in this section established for the zoning district that is equivalent to the site's general plan land use designation per Table 20.06-1 ("Base Zoning Districts"). Special standards for signs may be established with the adoption of the planned development zone that modify and supersede the standards in this section.

Figure 20.62.100-1 Illustration of Types of Signs [Figure: Figure 20.62.100-1 Illustration of Types of Signs]

Table 20.62.100-1 Sign Standards for Residential Uses in All Residential Zones

Table 20.62.100-2 Sign Standards for Commercial and Office Uses in All Residential Zones

Table 20.62.100-3 Sign Standards for Residential Uses in Non-residential Zones

Table 20.62.100-4 Sign Standards for Commercial and Office Uses in General Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Shopping Center Commercial, Thoroughfare Commercial, Village Commercial, and Planned Development Zones

NOTE: In addition to the above, "Shopping Center Signs" are allowed per the provisions of Section 20.62.140.

Table 20.62.100-5 Sign Standards for Commercial and Office Uses in the Regional/Central Commercial and Planned Development Zones

NOTE: In addition to the above, "Shopping Center Signs" are allowed per the provisions of Section 20.62.140.

Table 20.62.100-6 Sign Standards for Commercial and Office Uses in Office Commercial, Business Park, and Downtown Office Zones

NOTE: In addition to the above, "Shopping Center Signs" are allowed per the provisions of Section 20.62.140.

Table 20.62.100-7 Sign Standards for Commercial and Office Uses in Downtown Core and Downtown Commercial Zones

Table 20.62.100-8 Sign Standards * for Commercial and Office Uses in Public Facility, Parks and Open Space, and Public Parking District Zones

* Standards do not apply to City of Merced signage.

Table 20.62.100-9 Sign Standards for Commercial, Office, and Industrial Uses in Agriculture and Urban Transition Zones

Table 20.62.100-10 Sign Standards for Commercial, Office, and Industrial Uses in All Industrial Zones

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. The sign standards in Section 20.62.100 are modified in accordance with this section for parcels located within the Old 99 Overlay District. The area of Old 99 Overlay District is defined as the area shown in Figure 20.62.110-1.

Figure 20.62.110-1 Old 99 Overlay District Boundary [Figure: Figure 20.62.110-1 Old 99 Overlay District Boundary]

B. In addition to the signs allowed in Section 20.62.100, parcels located within the Old 99 Overlay District are allowed one (1) permanent freestanding sign not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet with a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet. The sign may be internally or externally illuminated. This sign shall be in addition to the signs allowed by Section 20.62.100.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. The sign standards for non-residential uses in Section 20.62.100 are superseded by this section for parcels located within the Downtown Overlay District. The area of the Downtown Overlay District is defined as the area shown in Figure 20.62.120-1.

Figure 20.62.120-1 Downtown Overlay District Boundary [Figure: Figure 20.62.120-1 Downtown Overlay District Boundary]

B. In place of signs allowed in Section 20.62.100, this section establishes standards for the number of signs, size of signs, placement of signs, and illumination of signs for non-residential uses in the Downtown Overlay District. Table 20.62.120-1 establishes specific regulations for non-residential uses for permanent building signs, permanent freestanding signs, temporary building signs, and temporary freestanding signs.

C. In addition to signs allowed in Section 20.62.100, one (1) additional permanent building sign oriented to pedestrians may be allowed up to ten (10) square feet. The sign type is limited to a projecting sign or an arcade or hanging sign. A minimum eight-foot clearance shall be provided under signs hanging over pedestrian paths of travel.

D. In addition to signs allowed in Section 20.62.100, window signs placed on the inside of the window are allowed. Signs shall not cover more than twenty (20) percent of the window.

Table 20.62.120-1 Sign Standards for Non-residential uses in the Downtown Overlay District

E. Blade signs are counted towards the maximum allowed permanent building sign area for a particular parcel. Blade signs may be permitted in Downtown Overlay District, by an application for administrative staff review through the planning department, if the following requirements are met:

1. A blade sign must have a vertical clearance of eight (8) feet above the sidewalk or other public right-of-way and cannot exceed a height of more than six (6) feet above the height of the entryway of the building on which the sign is mounted or as otherwise approved by the planning commission through the approval of a comprehensive master sign program.

2. A blade sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet of signage per side, shall be placed at least six (6) inches away from the building wall and the edge of the sign nearest the building, and shall not project more than forty-two (42) inches from the building wall on which it is mounted.

3. A blade sign must be attached by a wrought iron or similar metal framework to the building wall. Materials, color, and arrangement of the sign shall be compatible and consistent with the building and neighboring structures.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. The sign standards in Section 20.62.100 are modified in accordance with this section for parcels located within the Freeway Overlay District. The Freeway Overlay District is defined as the area shown in Figure 20.62.130-1 and Figure 20.62.130-2.

B. In addition to the signs allowed in Section 20.62.100, parcels in the Freeway Overlay District with a commercial use may, upon issuance of a freeway-oriented sign permit, establish a pole sign or a pylon sign consistent with the following standards:

1. There shall be a maximum of one (1) such pole or pylon sign per parcel.

2. The sign shall have a maximum of two (2) sides.

3. The maximum size shall be one hundred (100) square feet per side.

4. The maximum height shall be ninety (90) feet.

5. The sign shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from all property lines and rights-of-way.

6. The sign shall be set back a minimum of forty (40) feet from any residential zone district.

7. The sign shall be located in a landscaped planter at least three (3) feet wider than the base of the sign on all sides. The planter may encroach into the required minimum sign setback areas.

C. In lieu of the single sign allowed in subsection B above, up to six (6) multiple commercial uses that are located on the same parcel or uses that are located on adjacent parcels may, upon issuance of a freeway-oriented sign permit, establish a pylon sign consistent with the following standards:

1. There shall be a maximum of one (1) such pole or pylon sign per parcel.

2. The sign shall have a maximum of two (2) sides.

3. The maximum size shall be one hundred (100) square feet per commercial use per side.

4. The maximum height shall be ninety (90) feet.

5. The sign shall be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from all property lines and rights-of-way.

6. The sign shall be set back a minimum of eighty (80) feet from any residential zone district.

7. The sign shall be located in a landscaped planter at least three (3) feet wider than the base of the sign on all sides. The planter may encroach into the required minimum sign setback areas.

D. Freeway-oriented signs may be internally lit but shall not be externally lit. Signs must be compliant with Chapter 2 of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) which contains guidance for signs on highways and private roads.

Figure 20.62.130-1 Freeway Overlay District Boundary—Part 1 [Figure: Figure 20.62.130-1 Freeway Overlay District Boundary—Part 1]

Figure 20.62.130-2 Freeway Overlay District Boundary—Part 2 [Figure: Figure 20.62.130-2 Freeway Overlay District Boundary—Part 2]

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Shopping centers or office complexes with a mix of retail and/or professional office tenants having a combined total of twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet or more of gross floor area and located within a commercial zone and a P-D zone may be allowed an additional permanent freestanding or permanent building sign beyond what is allowed in Section 20.62.100 if the sign conforms to the following provisions:

1. The shopping center sign may advertise the name of the center, the tenants in the center, or both the center and tenant names. Tenant advertising on a shopping center sign is not counted as part of the overall sign area permitted by Table 20.62.100-4. The area of the name of the shopping center is in addition to the permitted copy area. Only advertising for businesses located on the parcel is allowed.

2. The sign may be illuminated unless adjacent to residential uses, in which case the development services director may require conditions on the type of illumination to protect against negative effects on the adjacent residential uses. The sign must be constructed of a material that is compatible with the texture and materials of the shopping center buildings. Individual letters and logos may be internally illuminated.

3. Materials, color, and arrangement shall be compatible and consistent with the shopping center buildings.

4. A maximum of two (2) shopping center signs on one (1) arterial street may be allowed. At least four hundred (400) feet of combined arterial street frontage is required to qualify for one (1) sign, except that shopping centers existing at the time of adoption of this section meeting all other requirements of this section are not bound by this requirement. An additional eight hundred (800) feet of frontage is required for a second sign.

5. The maximum height and size allowances for shopping center signs are different in the Neighborhood Commercial (C-N), Thoroughfare Commercial (C-T), and Regional/Community Commercial (R-C) land use designations or Planned Developments with the equivalent General Plan designation. See Table 20.62.140-1 below:

Table 20.62.140-1 Shopping Center Sign Size

6. A minimum of ten (10) square feet is required for each tenant displayed on a shopping center sign.

7. The width of the foundation base of a shopping center permanent freestanding sign shall be a minimum of eighty (80) percent of the sign face.

8. The sign structure shall have a minimum three-foot setback from any property line.

9. A building permit application to construct a shopping center sign shall be signed by all property owners of the shopping center.

B. With the adoption of a comprehensive master sign program in accordance with Section 20.62.180, a shopping center or office complex with a mix of retail and/or professional office tenants may be eligible for "bonus" sign area greater than allowed under an overall sign area permitted by Section 20.62.100.650.

1. A "bonus" of up to thirty (30) percent shall be granted if a permanent copy is included on the shopping center sign that states "City of Merced," "Welcome to Merced," or equivalent language, as approved by the planning commission.

2. A "bonus" of up to sixty (60) percent may be granted, pending approval by the planning commission, if enhanced design features (such as additional landscaping, water features, decorative artwork, seating areas, etc.) are incorporated into the shopping center.

3. A "bonus of up to seventy (70) percent may be granted if the criteria of both "a" or "b" above are met.

4. A "bonus" that would allow a "changeable copy sign" of no more than fifty (50) percent of the total sign area to be incorporated into the shopping center sign; and if the owner agrees to allow the city to advertise city- or community-sponsored events, at the discretion of the city, on the sign on a continuous and ongoing basis as part of a continuous rotation of advertising or as otherwise defined by the planning commission. The planning commission may increase the total sign area and/or reduce the amount of city advertising for unique circumstances, such as motion picture/performing arts theaters. Other than those city events above, the changeable copy sign shall not advertise any business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity, that is not sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located or affixed.

5. A "bonus" consisting of an increased maximum allowable height of a shopping center sign, not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the maximum allowable height spelled out in the table in Section 17.36.667.E, may be granted, pending approval by the planning commission, if the criteria for either "a" or "b" above are met and/or if the shopping center is located on the corner of two (2) arterial streets, as defined in the Merced General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Temporary building signs in non-residential zones shall only be allowed for a total of six (6) months in any twelve-month period for any single parcel or business.

B. Temporary building signs in non-residential zones over four (4) square feet in size that will be in place for more than thirty (30) days shall require a temporary sign permit. With such a permit, the signs may be up to thirty (30) square feet in size and may be in place for up to six (6) months.

C. Feather banners, balloons, and banners shall not be used as permanent signs.

D. Temporary building signs shall not be internally illuminated.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Feather banners and balloons will be allowed only for grand openings and are not to exceed being on display in excess of thirty (30) days.

B. Feather banners and balloons shall not be used as permanent signs.

C. Banners and feather banners shall be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials not subject to rapid deterioration or fading and shall be professional in appearance. Acceptable materials include, but are not limited to, vinyl, nylon-reinforced vinyl, polyethylene or polyester-like materials, or durable fabric.

D. Temporary freestanding signs in non-residential zones shall not be placed in the following locations:

1. In any public right-of-way, including sidewalks, except as allowed by Section 10.62.110 in the Downtown Overlay District.

2. In parking lot driving lanes, drive aisles, or parking spaces.

3. On multi-use trails or sidewalks on private property if they would block a four-foot-wide pedestrian path of travel.

4. Any location where the sign would block the pedestrian path of travel or access to a building.

5. Within twenty (20) feet on either side or in front of a permanent freestanding sign.

6. Within twenty (20) feet of an adjoining property line.

7. Within twenty (20) feet from any other temporary freestanding sign.

8. Within five (5) feet of a public right-of-way.

E. Temporary freestanding signs shall be affixed to supporting structures made of a durable, rigid material such as, without limitation, wood, plastic, or metal. Freestanding signs placed on hard surfaces in conformance with this chapter are exempt from this subsection provided they have a weight and mass that makes them difficult to inadvertently move and they do not block a four-foot-wide pedestrian path of travel, do not have any motorized or other such mechanisms to cause them to move or flutter, and are only displayed between one (1) hour before and one (1) hour after the site's establishment is open for business.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

The illumination of signs, from either an internal or external source, must be designed to avoid negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards apply to all illuminated signs:

A. Sign lighting shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create a nuisance for residential uses in a direct line of sight to the sign. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets. The lighting shall not create excessive glare to pedestrians and/or motorists and will not obstruct traffic control or any other public informational signs. Illuminated signs located adjacent to any residential area shall be controlled by a rheostat or other acceptable method to reduce glare.

1. Illumination of signs shall be limited to a maximum illumination of four hundred sixty-five (465) lumen per square foot (or five thousand (5,000) nits) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of forty-seven (47) lumen per square foot (or five hundred (500) nits) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face. It is strongly recommended that automatic dimmers be installed in the sign.

2. Signs in residential zones may only be indirectly illuminated by a concealed light source, shall not remain illuminated between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m., and shall not flash, blink, or fluctuate. Illuminated signs in residential zones must also be located on an arterial or collector street.

B. Internally illuminated signs shall be designed with an opaque, semi-opaque, or matte finish background on the sign face. Internally illuminated signs shall only be located on arterial or collector streets. Internally illuminated signs must not be located within one hundred (100) feet of a residential zone.

C. Light sources for externally illuminated signs shall meet the following standards:

1. Low-pressure sodium lighting is the preferred light source to minimize undesirable light in the night sky.

2. High-pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, quartz, LED, and incandescent light sources shall be fully shielded.

3. Metal halide and fluorescent light sources shall be filtered. Most glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy these filter requirements.

4. Mercury vapor light sources shall be prohibited.

D. External conduits, boxes, and other connections related to the function of a sign and associated lighting shall not be exposed nor pass through a public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Undeveloped sites shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) temporary freestanding signs with a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet each. The maximum height shall be ten (10) feet. Signs shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all property lines and the public right-of-way. Illumination of the sign is prohibited.

B. Developing sites, i.e., construction sites, shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) temporary freestanding signs or temporary building signs with a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet each. The maximum height shall be ten (10) feet. Signs shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all property lines and the public right-of-way. Illumination is prohibited. Temporary signs that are not visible from any public right-of-way shall not be counted in the maximum number or size of signs.

C. In addition to any sign permitted pursuant to subsection B above, residential subdivision sites where ten (10) or more new residences are offered for sale shall be allowed one (1) temporary building sign or freestanding sign of a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet. Illumination of the sign is prohibited. The maximum height shall be ten (10) feet. Additional temporary signs, temporary freestanding signs, and flags may be maintained within the boundaries of a residential subdivision provided that they are not visible from outside the residential subdivision and do not create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

D. Construction Locations (Example: Remodel of a Building). Signs may be placed during a construction event pursuant to the conditions of a permit issued by the city on the lot. Construction events begin on the date of the local structural permit approval and end on the date the permit is final or expires.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Signs affixed to windows shall not cover more than twenty (20) percent of each window and shall be placed so that there is an unobstructed view of the interior of the premises.

B. Signs in windows shall not be counted toward the maximum allowable temporary or permanent building sign size.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Only a governmental agency with authority over public right-of-way may place signs in the public right-of-way, with the following specific exceptions:

A. Building signs may be located in the Downtown Overlay zone that project into the public right-of-way, provided that the width of the projecting sign is a maximum of four (4) feet and that the bottom of the sign is eight (8) feet above the sidewalk or finished grade below it. An encroachment permit or licensing agreement is required.

B. Building signs located on or under awnings in the Downtown Overlay zone that meet the provisions of this chapter.

C. Temporary freestanding signs placed on the public sidewalk in the Downtown Overlay zone that meet the provisions of this chapter and when a minimum four-foot-wide clear path of travel is provided.

D. Government agencies, public institutions, and non-profit organizations may place banners on existing light poles in the public right-of-way, subject to a minor use permit issued by the development services director and, if deemed necessary, an encroachment permit/license agreement issued by the city engineer.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. The purpose of the comprehensive master sign program provisions is to provide a coordinated and flexible design approach to signage for Merced's commercial shopping districts, industrial districts, and office parks. A master sign program is required for any site that contains more than three (3) commercial establishments in a shopping center, industrial park, or office park.

B. The comprehensive master sign program shall consist of all permanent building signs and permanent freestanding signs on the premises that can be viewed from a public street. The comprehensive master sign program shall establish a comprehensive design theme and set forth size, location, illumination, materials, and other design requirements for all signs.

C. A comprehensive master sign program may be approved by the development services director as a minor use permit. The planning commission may approve a master sign program when it is proposed with a development project that requires a conditional use permit if the information is available at the time of conditional use permit issuance. Otherwise, the director may approve with a minor use permit.

D. A comprehensive master sign program shall not be used to grant a special privilege nor provide more visibility or exposure than is available to similarly situated properties.

E. Comprehensive master sign programs shall feature a unified and coordinated approach to the materials, color, size, type, placement, and general design of signs proposed for a project or property.

F. Reasonable conditions of approval may be imposed to achieve the purposes of this section and ensure internal sign design consistency on the site.

G. After approval of a comprehensive master sign program, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such program, and such program shall be enforced in the same way as any provision in this section.

H. The master sign program and all conditions of approval applicable to a site shall be included with lease agreements for all leasable space subject to the comprehensive master sign program.

I. Approval of a comprehensive master sign program does not waive the permit requirements for individual signs that are subject to the program.

J. The development services director may approve amendments to a comprehensive master sign program or at the director's discretion, may be referred to the original approving body.

K. Proposed amendments to a comprehensive master sign program shall include written concurrence by the affected property owners.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Residential subdivision sites where ten (10) or more new residences are offered for sale shall be allowed up to four (4) offsite temporary freestanding signs with a size not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet each and a height not to exceed ten (10) feet. Signs shall be located on private, non-residential zoned parcels, or on private, residential zoned parcels that are part of a residential subdivision under construction, vacant, and otherwise free from any structures or buildings. Banners and flags with or without an advertising message shall not be permitted offsite.

B. In addition to any sign permitted pursuant to subsection A above, up to four (4) non-illuminated offsite temporary freestanding signs in an A-frame configuration, with a size not to exceed twelve (12) square feet per face or four (4) feet in height, may be permitted per residential subdivision. A-frame signs shall be located on private, non-residential property or on public property behind any existing sidewalks, and in such a manner so as not to create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view of, or otherwise hinder or impede, pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A-frame signs may only be displayed during operating hours for the residential subdivision sales office and shall be located no further than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from the subject residential subdivision entry.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a sign that has been designated a historic resource in accordance with Chapter 17.54 or the reproduction of such a sign shall not be subject to the requirements of this chapter, other than the requirement to obtain applicable building permits.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, a structure that has been designated a historic resource in accordance with Chapter 17.54 or a structure over two (2) stories within the downtown area are eligible to adopt a comprehensive master sign program that meets the requirements of Section 20.62.200, and which may grant exceptions to the provisions of this chapter.

C. The planning commission may allow or require specific refurbishment or alteration of the sign designated as a historic resource. The applicant shall provide illustrations to satisfactorily describe how the sign will look after refurbishment.

D. The planning commission may approve a change to the sign copy of a sign designated as a historic resource if it finds that the sign will retain its general historic appearance.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Manual changeable copy is allowed on signs in residential zones or in conjunction with residential uses in non-residential zones with a minor use permit. (Examples of uses that may need such signs are public assembly, schools, multi-family, etc.)

B. Manual changeable copy shall represent no more than twenty (20) percent of the total allowable sign area on commercial signs in commercial or industrial zones.

C. This section shall not apply to signs that indicate the price of motor vehicle fuel in conformance with the State Business and Professions Code that otherwise are in conformance with the other sections of this title. Motor vehicle fuel price signs in conformance with state law shall be allowed and are exempt from size, height, and other requirements in the ordinance from which this chapter is derived that might interfere with them meeting the requirements of state law as regards to visibility, the prices being posted for all fuel types, the prices being visible from the public rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Electronic changeable copy may be allowed on signs in residential zones or in conjunction with residential uses in non-residential zones with a minor use permit. (Examples of uses that may need such signs are public assembly, schools, multi-family, etc.)

B. Electronic changeable copy is allowed as a display medium on freestanding signs in the commercial and industrial zone districts with a minor use permit if the sign face changes less than once per minute. This includes signs that indicate the price of motor vehicle fuel in conformance with the State Business and Professions Code that otherwise are in conformance with the other sections of this title.

C. Electronic changeable copy is allowed as a display medium on freestanding signs with a conditional use permit issued pursuant to this title where the electronic copy changes more than once per minute.

D. Signs with electronic changeable copy shall meet the following standards:

1. The electronic sign face shall be directed in a manner that is not visible from the front or side of residential properties located in a residential zone district.

2. The electronic sign face shall be an integral part of the remainder of the sign area.

3. Electronic copy shall be limited to a maximum illumination of four hundred sixty-five (465) lumen per square foot (or five thousand (5,000) nits) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of forty-seven (47) lumen per square foot (or five hundred (500) nits) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face. It is strongly recommended that automatic dimmers be installed in the sign.

4. No portion of the electronic changeable copy shall change more frequently than once per minute without a minor use permit. The maximum electronic changeable copy can be allowed to once every eight (8) seconds with a minor use permit. Scrolling, flashing, or other moving messages are not allowed.

5. The electronic sign shall not emit any audible sound, buzz, or noise.

6. Sign copy or electronic picture displays shall be limited to advertising related to the use(s) on the premises on which the freestanding sign is located, except for message substitution, as allowed in Section 20.62.030.

7. No change of lighting intensity may occur during a display or between displays except to respond to a change in ambient lighting conditions.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Digital display signs are allowed on freestanding signs with a conditional use permit issued pursuant to this title only within the Thoroughfare Commercial zone, Regional/Central Commercial zone, General Commercial zone, Neighborhood Commercial zone, Commercial Shopping Center zone, Freeway Overlay District, Old 99 Overlay District, and any Planned Development zone that has the equivalent general plan land use designation per Table 20.06-1 ("Base Zoning Districts") to the previously mentioned zones.

B. Digital display signs shall meet the following standards:

1. The digital display sign face shall be directed in a manner that is not visible from the front or side of residential properties located in a residential zone district.

2. The digital display sign face shall be an integral part of the remainder of the sign area and shall be framed with a sign structure border that is a minimum of three (3) inches wide around the edge of the digital display area.

3. The digital display sign shall be limited to a maximum illumination of four hundred sixty-five (465) lumen per square foot (or five thousand (5,000) nits) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of forty-seven (47) lumen per square foot (or five hundred (500) nits) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face. It is strongly recommended that automatic dimmers be installed in the sign.

4. No portion of the digital display sign face shall change more frequently than once every eight (8) seconds. No portion of the digital display sign face shall flash, blink, or include a video display.

5. The electronic sign shall not emit any audible sound, buzz, or noise.

6. Sign copy shall be limited to advertising related to the use(s) on the premises on which the freestanding sign is located, except for message substitution, as allowed in Section 20.62.030.

7. No change of lighting intensity may occur during a display or between displays except to respond to a change in ambient lighting conditions.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. Flags that do not include commercial advertising on flagpoles shall not count toward the maximum sign area.

B. Flagpoles shall not be located within any required interior side or rear building setback areas. Flagpoles may be mounted on the ground or on the roof or wall of a building.

C. The maximum height of a flagpole shall be as follows:

1. Flagpoles located in residential zone districts shall have a maximum height of thirty-five (35) feet.

2. Flagpoles located in non-residential zones shall have a maximum height of fifty (50) feet if mounted on the ground, or twenty (20) feet plus the height of the building if mounted on a building. The maximum height may be increased to one hundred (100) feet if the flagpole is located at least two hundred (200) feet from any property line or public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Search lights and klieg lights are prohibited, except when used for public safety purposes or when specifically approved with a temporary use permit for a special event.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

The city council, planning commission, or arts and culture advisory commission may authorize a wall mural. When authorized, a mural would not be considered a sign for the purposes of this chapter. A wall mural is to be public art, not for the purpose of identifying, advertising, or drawing attention to a particular business, service, or economic activity. In the case that a mural is specifically identifying, advertising, or drawing attention to a particular business, the mural would need to be counted toward the allowable signage area for the business or activity and shall be subject to a sign permit. Less than ten (10) percent of the size of the mural may be used to identify the sponsor of the mural.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the city council may approve, through a special right-of-way leasing agreement, the erection of an off-premises sign within the city right-of-way. It must be deemed under the city council to provide community benefit as defined and be under all the following circumstances:

A. The sign shall be for a land use that addresses specific community benefits or priorities (i.e., the provision of groceries in a USDA-defined "food desert," affordable housing, the provision of needed services within an income-qualified census tract, etc.).

B. The size, location, height, and other design standards for the sign shall be determined on a case-by-case basis through the licensing agreement.

C. The sign may incorporate a "changeable copy sign" of no more than fifty (50) percent of the total actual sign area unless otherwise approved by the city council.

D. The owner of the land use that provides the community benefits shall erect the sign and maintain it at their sole expense.

E. The owner shall agree to allow the city to advertise city- or community-sponsored events or emergency messages (traffic advisories, amber alerts, etc.), at the discretion of the city, on the sign on a continuous and ongoing basis as part of a continuous rotation of advertising or as otherwise defined by the city council.

F. Other than those city events above and the land use above that provides community benefits, the changeable copy sign shall not advertise any business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity that is not sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located or affixed.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A sign of any character lawfully occupying a site prior to the adoption of this chapter or on the effective date of applicable amendments to this chapter that, as a result of the adoption or amendment to, does not conform with the standards for the district in which it is located, shall be deemed to be a non-conforming sign, and may be displayed and maintained in said district. Modifications to non-conforming signs may be allowed through a minor use permit.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. No new billboard shall be permitted within the city after the adoption of this chapter, except as provided in this section.

B. Billboards existing in industrial zones on and prior to the adoption of this chapter may continue to exist at their current location, subject to the provisions of this chapter, and may be maintained or replaced from time to time, provided, however, that the total display area of any existing billboard shall not be enlarged in size or increased in height in any way.

C. Billboards existing in any zone other than an industrial zone on and prior to the adoption of this chapter are considered a non-conforming sign.

D. No part of a billboard shall include a digital display sign, manual changeable copy, or electronic changeable copy.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

A. All signs and associated supporting structures shall be maintained in like-new condition, without rips, tears, fading, and similar damage that inevitably occurs as a result of normal wear and aging.

B. All signs shall be reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute a nuisance.

C. Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated, ripped, torn, faded, or other deteriorating or dilapidated condition shall be promptly repaired to the satisfaction of the city or removed in accordance with city ordinance code 8.36.080.

D. Graffiti on a sign shall be removed by the property owner (or designee) within two (2) days of notice of its placement on such sign. If graffiti is not removed, it will be subject to [Section] 8.36.070.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Whenever any sign, by virtue of its physical nature and condition, is deemed by the development services director, chief building official, or public works director to be an immediate and serious threat to public safety, city personnel may remove the sign or repair the physical deficiency to the extent necessary to protect the public safety. The cost of such removal or repair shall be assessed against the sign owner.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

An on-premises sign advertising an activity, business, service, or product must be removed within ninety (90) days following the actual discontinuance of the activity, business, service, or product. If the sign is not so removed, the development services director may have the sign removed in accordance with the public nuisance abatement provisions of this title. A sign structure is not required to be removed, however, the sign face shall be removed or replaced with a blank face or other sign face consistent with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Any sign, banner, or sign structure not erected, constructed, or located in conformance with this chapter and not classified as a legal non-conforming sign is an illegal sign and is subject to abatement in accordance with the public nuisance abatement procedures of Section 8.40.080.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

Signs erected after the effective date of this chapter that either do not conform to the provisions of this chapter or are erected without obtaining a required permit are declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance. All signs declared to be unlawful by this chapter and all persons erecting or maintaining them shall be subject to the provisions of Merced Municipal Code Section 1.09.020 (Code Enforcement Authority and Powers). The remedies provided for in this section are cumulative and non-exclusive.

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)

The following terms are defined for this chapter. Illustrations of rules for sign measurement are shown in Figure 20.62.090-1. The accompanying images and Figure 20.62.370-1 are intended to illustrate some of the sign types that are defined in this section. If an interpretation discrepancy exists between the illustrations and the text of this Section, the text shall prevail.

A. "A" definitions.

1. "A-Frame sign" means a sign made of wood, plastic, or other lightweight and rigid material having the capability to stand on its own support(s) and being portable and movable.

[Figure]

2. "Animated sign" means a sign with action or motion, whether by flashing lights, color changes, wind, rotation, movement of any parts of the sign or letters or parts of the sign structure, or other motion.

3. "Arcade sign" means a sign suspended from the ceiling of a covered pedestrian walkway, which is attached to the building and oriented perpendicular to the building face to which the covered walkway is attached.

4. "Awning sign" means a sign placed on a shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of a frame covered with non-rigid material.

B. "B" definitions.

1. "Banner" means any flexible material, such as cloth, plastic, vinyl, paper, cardboard, or thin metal, with or without a "message," attached outdoors to a building, structure, or mounting device, or attached indoors to a building, structure, or mounting device so as to be visible from the exterior of a building, or structure. This definition includes a pennant, scroll, or bunting.

[Figure]

2. "Barber pole" means a pole with diagonal stripes of red and white or of red, white, and blue used as a sign for a barbershop that may or may not rotate.

3. "Billboard" means a sign that directs attention to a business, community service, or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such sign is located.

[Figure]

4. "Blade sign" means a pedestrian-oriented, non-internally illuminated double-faced sign, comprised of one (1) individual panel, projecting from the building wall on which it is mounted.

5. "Business premises" means a specific business occupancy within a building or upon a parcel of land, typically having a specific address and discrete entrance(s) and exit(s).

C. "C" definitions.

1. "Can or cabinet sign" means a sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed box-shaped cabinet where the translucent face of the sign can be interchanged to change the sign message without having to remodel the cabinet. It is mounted to a wall or other surface and illuminated from within the cabinet.

[Figure]

2. "Changeable copy, electronic" or "electronic changeable copy sign" means the display of a message that can change by means of electronic lights, light emitting diodes, video screens, or other illuminated electronic or electric format.

3. "Changeable copy, manual" or "manual changeable copy sign" means the display of a message that can change by manually arranging and attaching individual letters, numbers, or symbols.

D. "D" definitions.

E. "E" Definitions.

1. "Electronic digital display sign" means a sign that displays images with or without a message through the use of grid lights, cathode ray projections, light emitting diode displays, plasma screens, liquid crystal displays, fiber optics, or other similar electronic media that may be changed remotely through electronic means.

2. "Erect" means and includes erect, construct, place, relocate, enlarge, substantially alter, attach, suspend, paint, post, maintain, and display.

3. "Externally illuminated sign" means a sign that has light cast on its surface from an artificial exterior source installed for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

F. "F" definitions.

1. "Flag" means a flat piece of cloth, with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols used to represent a country or group, having one (1) end of the cloth attached to a vertical staff (directly or by a rope and pulley mechanism) and all other ends freely flowing under natural movement of wind.

2. "Freestanding sign" means a sign that is permanently supported on the ground by one (1) or more uprights, braces, poles, or other similar structural components that are not attached to any building. This category includes both monument and pole signs.

3. "Frontage, building" means the distance between the two (2) most distant corners of a building measured in a straight line along the building face.

4. "Frontage, street" means the distance between the two (2) most distant corners of a site along a single street measured in a line along the street curb, including drive approaches, but excluding curb returns at street intersections.

G. "G" definitions.

H. "H" Definitions.

I. "I" definitions.

1. "Internally illuminated sign" means any sign whose illumination originates from within the structure of the sign and the source of which is not visible from the exterior of the sign.

2. "Install" or "installation" means the act by which a sign is constructed or placed on land or a structure, or the act of attaching, painting, printing, producing, or reproducing, or using any other method or process by which a visual message is presented or placed upon a surface.

J. "J" definitions.

K. "K" definitions.

L. "L" definitions.

M. "M" definitions.

1. "Message" means any form of visual communication presented on any type of media. It is not material whether the communication has any logical, practical, literary, or artistic significance or not. It includes any form or combination of letters, graphics, symbols, or designs. The term is not intended to include mono-color paint applied to the exterior, trim, fascia, or other architectural elements of a building for protection against the elements.

2. "Monument sign" means a low-profile freestanding sign supported by a structural base or other solid structural features other than support poles and may contain signage on more than one side (see drawing).

3. "Mural" means a sign painted on the exterior wall of a building consisting of graphics or images, either alone or in combination with letters.

[Figure]

N. "N" definitions.

O. "O" definitions.

1. "Off-site," "off-site sign," or "off-premises sign" refers to a sign or banner that promotes or advertises goods, services, or activities located or offered on a business premises or parcel that is separate from the parcel where the sign is located, even if the two (2) sites or parcels are contiguous to each other.

2. "On-site," "on-site sign," or "on-premises sign" refers to a sign or banner that promotes or advertises goods, services, or activity located or offered on the business premises or parcel of property where the sign is located.

3. "Outdoors" means a location on undeveloped property or to the exterior of a building or structure.

4. "Outdoor advertising" refers to the placement of a message on signs or banners located outdoors or located indoors in a manner such that the message is visible from the exterior of a building or structure.

5. "Outdoor advertising structure" means a structure erected or maintained for the main purpose of displaying commercial outdoor advertising and located on a site other than the site on which the advertised commercial use is located or on which the advertised commercial product is produced.

P. "P" definitions.

1. "Painted sign" refers to a sign that comprises only paint applied on a building or structure.

2. "Parapet wall" means an exterior wall that extends vertically above the roofline.

3. "Parcels" or "property" or similar references or descriptions shall refer to parcels defined or delineated by assessor parcel numbers maintained by the county tax assessor or as defined in the glossary of this code.

4. "Pedestrian access" means a doorway that has been designed for the primary use of the patrons or customers of that particular use.

5. "Permanent sign" means a sign that is solidly attached to a building, structure, or he ground by means of mounting brackets, bolts, welds, or other combination of attachment methods, thereby rendering the sign non-moveable or difficult to reposition without the use of machinery, cutting devices, or mechanical devices. See also "temporary sign."

6. "Placed" includes constructing, erecting, posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or otherwise fastening, affixing, or making visible in any manner whatsoever.

7. "Pole sign" means a permanently mounted, freestanding sign that is supported above the ground by one (1) or more uprights, braces, poles, or other similar structural components.

[Figure]

Q. "Q" definitions.

R. "R" definitions.

1. "Roofline" means the highest point of a parapet wall or the main roof structure or the highest point of a parapet wall other than such architectural features as cupolas, pylons, projections, or raised portions of the roof.

2. "Rooftop or roof-mounted sign" means a sign that extends above the ridgeline of the roof of a building, or a sign attached to any portion of the roof of a building. Rooftop or roof-mounted signs are not allowed.

S. "S" definitions.

1. "Sign" means any letter or symbol made of cloth, metal, paint, paper, wood, or other material of any kind whatsoever placed for advertising, identification, written expression, or other similar purposes on the ground or on any wall, post, fence, building, structure, vehicle, or on any place whatsoever.

2. "Sign area" means the geometric area of a sign including all elements such as board or frames, perforated or a solid background, ornamental embellishments, arrows, or other sign media. For the purposes of a freestanding sign the structural elements necessary to support the sign are included in the sign area.

3. "Sign copy" means any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign face and/or its structure with the purpose of attracting attention to the subject matter.

4. "Sign face" means the panel surface of a sign that carries the advertising, information, or identification message.

5. "Sign structure" means any structure that supports or is capable of supporting a sign. A sign structure may or may not be an integral part of a building. For the purpose of a freestanding sign, the sign structure shall include the aggregate area of the sign including the sign copy and all structural elements of the sign.

6. "Structural alteration" means any change to the sign structure.

T. "T" definitions.

1. "Temporary sign" means a sign that is easily moveable and not attached to a building, structure, or the ground in such a manner as to be rendered a permanent sign.

[Figure]

U. "U" definitions.

V. "V" definitions.

W. "W" definitions.

X. "X" definitions.

Y. "Y" definitions.

Z. "Z" definitions.

Table 20.62.370-1 Illustration of Sign Types [Figure: Table 20.62.370-1 Illustration of Sign Types]

(Ord. No. 2549, § 1(Exh. A), 10-16-2023)